Best Apple Butter Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This is the best apple butter recipe you’ll find and it is worth the wait! Not to be confused with butter, it is delicious when spread over the top of everything!

Best Apple Butter Recipe (1)

Original post: December 2012 | Updated: October 2020

Why This Recipe Works

This totally scrumptious Apple Butter recipe never lasts long in my home. It can be also be such a great gift for the holidays! Don’t be confused by the name, though. Apple Butter has nothing to do with butter, but it can be spread over the top of everything. Just like butter.

The sauce will look like a dark brown chunky soup when it is finished but it will taste like heaven. It will also make your home smell delicious. Grab your bag of apples from the orchard and get busy!

Recipe Ingredients


Apples – Use mediumbaking apples such ashoneycrisp, gala, golden delicious, jonagold or granny smith. Peel them, remove the core and cut into chunks.

Brown sugar – If you prefer, you can add more naturally sweet apples and reduce the amount of brown sugar you added. Other sugar substitutes that would be great are maple syrup, coconut sugar or stevia.

Spice Mixture – Feel free to add nutmeg, cloves or cinnamon to your apples for a little more complex taste. Just a little goes a long way.

How To Make Homemade Apple Butter In Your Slow Cooker

Step 1

Select your 10 medium apples, peeled cored and cut into chunks.

Place all of the cored and chopped apples along with the sugar and spices in a large crockpot.

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I like to use a variety of apples – for this particular recipe I used Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples. Use as many different kinds as you’d like! The more, the merrier!

Step 2

Cook times options: Cover and cook on High for 4 hours for maximum apple flavor to cook up! You also have the option to set your crock pot on Low for 7 to 8 hours.

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Step 3

Now transfer the mixture into jars to enjoy all fall!

How To Create A Simple Water Bath

In a large saucepan, boil six 1/2-pint mason jars, along with their lids. One at a time, remove one jar and matching lid from the boiling water and fill the sterilized jar with the hot apple butter.

Tightly seal the lid and store in a cool place. Repeat the process with the remaining jars. The jars will seal on their own.

Recipe Notes

  • Replace brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a bolder, deeper flavor.
  • You do NOT need to use a regular blender and puree this mix. It will cook down on its own. Mash the mixture with a potato masher to give it a smoother consistency. If desired, use an immersion blender for an even smoother texture (I do not do this, as I prefer mine on the slightly chunky side).
  • For a much healthier snack that tastes similar to apple butter, consider making Instant Pot Applesauce or Crockpot Apple sauce.
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What Types of Apples Are Good For Apple Butter

I recommend using a variety of apples and at the very least, use two kinds: one sweet and one tart. My favorite combo is Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples.

Sweet/Softer Apple Brands

  • Fuji
  • Honeycrisp
  • Red Delicious
  • Golden Delicious
  • Cortland
  • Gala

Tart (or a little Sour) Apple Brands

  • Granny Smith
  • McIntosh
  • Ida Red
  • Braeburn
  • Empire
  • Jonathan
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FAQ About Apple Butter

What makes apple butter a butter?

Apples stewed into a paste is a simple way to use your leftover apples. It’s not butter, but it spreads smoothly like butter so that’s where the name comes from. It is a spread or condiment to enjoy when paired with other foods. The caramelization that happens while the mixture cooks down is what gives it that rich, dark color.

How long does apple butter last?

Apple butter can last up to 3 months in your refrigerator. That is, if you have good willpower and don’t enjoy smearing it on all your baked goods and breads right after making it.

What to do with apple butter?

You might not be familiar with apple butter, but once you’re introduced to it you will find that there isn’t a lack of food to enjoy it on. Perfect for toast or pancakes, you can also enjoy it on top of muffins, cookies and croissants. Enjoy it as a dip or a marinade. You can even try using it as an ingredient in baked goods. These Apple Butter Cookies are DELICIOUS!

Is apple butter good for you?

Apple butter is not good for you. However, apples are high in dietary fiber and pectin is found in the peels of apples. So they will help you avoid poor digestion at night. Fruit can help your stomach to empty more slowly, helping you to stay feeling full longer and not prone to snack/eat between meals. However, apple butter contains sugar so this is not a recipe you want to consume large quantities of in a sitting.

What is the difference between apple butter and applesauce?

Applesauce and apple butter are both prepared by cooking down apples. However apple sauce cooks down quickly and is not as thick or silky as apple butter which takes longer and produces a more intense apple flavor.

Delicious Fall Apple Recipe

  • Appledoodles are a fun twist on the classic snickerdoodles! Great way to use up apples in the fall!
  • Apple Coffee Cake – This is the best coffee cake recipe you’ll find. Enjoy as an indulgent breakfast treat or an any-time snack or dessert!
  • Salted Chocolate Caramel Apples – Sprinkling of sea salt and a bit of chocolate turns Caramel Apples into an extravagant dessert.
  • Apple Carrot Cake Muffins – Apples and carrots create the most delicious little muffin you could ever imagine. Great as a snack, breakfast or dessert!
  • The only thing better than salted caramel apples is Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake! This is the perfect fall treat and a great way to use up any type of apples.

Other Perfect Fall Treats

  • Best Pumpkin Bars make the perfect fall dessert. They are moist, irresistible and full of yummy pumpkin flavor. Great for your next fall gathering.
  • Don’t let those delicious little Pumpkin Seeds go to waste when carving pumpkins! They transform into a delicious little fall snack that will get gobbled up by all.
  • Halloween Snack Mix is a great Fall snack. Great for Fall- or Halloween-themed parties! Mix and match the snacks you have on hand to build your snack mix.

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Best Apple Butter Recipe (6)

Best Apple Butter Recipe

This is the best apple butter recipe you'll find! Not to be confused with butter, it is delicious when spread over the top of everything!

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Course: Condiments

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Servings: 60

Calories: 50kcal

Author: Megan Porta

Equipment

  • Crock Pot

Ingredients

  • 10 apples peeled, cored and cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  • Place apples, vinegar, both sugars, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in a large crock pot. Cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 7 to 8 hours. Use a potato masher to smooth the mixture. If desired, use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.

  • Pour mixture into mason jars and seal. Chill and spread on toast or muffins.

Notes

  • Decrease the amount of brown sugar in the recipe for a less sugary treat.
  • Replace brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a bolder, deeper flavor.
  • You do NOT need to use a regular blender and puree this mix. It will cook down on its own. Mash the mixture with a potato masher to give it a smoother consistency. If desired, use an immersion blender for an even smoother texture (I do not do this, as I prefer mine on the slightly chunky side).
  • For a much healthier snack that tastes similar to apple butter, consider making Instant Pot Applesauce or Crockpot Apple sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!

Best Apple Butter Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why does my apple butter taste like applesauce? ›

Applesauce is a fairly quick process, cooked apples run through a food mill. Apple butter is basically concentrated apple sauce, cooked down even more until it's thicker, silkier, and more intensely apple flavored. Like the difference between tomato sauce and tomato paste, essentially.

How do you thicken apple butter? ›

The longer you cook it, the thicker it will be. Apple butter is high in natural sugar so if you want don't want to add sugar, then use sweet apples. The thing about sugar is that helps thicken your apple butter.

What is apple butter best for? ›

Ways to Use Apple Butter

It can be made into a topping for pancakes and waffles, mixed into a cake batter or even muffins. If you're ambitious, you can experiment with working it into fruit bars, glazing chicken breasts with it, slathering it on a ham sandwich or just swirling it into oatmeal.

How long will homemade apple butter keep? ›

Refrigerator Storage – You can store the apple butter in the fridge for up to 1 month. Freezer Storage – You can store the apple butter in the freezer for up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Why is my apple butter so runny? ›

Apple butter will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it still looks a little runny in the slow cooker! If you still need to thicken your apple butter, you can continue to cook it uncovered in your crock pot or simmer it on the stove.

Why does my apple butter taste metallic? ›

It also may be that the kettle was not well seasoned allowing the apple butter to make more contact with the metal of the pot. There is no way to remove the metallic taste or the metallic elements from the finished product.

Why isn't my apple butter Brown? ›

Originally Answered: What makes Apple butter brown in color? The length of cooking time. Plus, people may add cinnamon, clove, brown sugar, nutmeg, etc. Also, using ghee will make it darker, as ghee is much darker than regular clarified butter.

Does homemade apple butter thicken as it cools? ›

The apple butter will be fairly thick, but still run off the spoon–like the texture of commercial apple sauce. Don't worry, the apple butter will thicken as it cools.

How do you fix too much cinnamon in apple butter? ›

The only way to neutralize too much cinnamon is to add more of the main ingredients. Avoid adding other spices, which will conflict with the cinnamon. Add more apples, vinegar and sugar instead.

What cheese goes with apple butter? ›

Since it's sweet, apple butter can pair with many different kinds of cheeses — try your favorites and see what works best. If you need some suggestions to begin, try a sharp cheddar, an oozy brie, or a tangy chèvre.

Which is healthier apple butter or peanut butter? ›

While apple butter does contain some sugar, it is a healthier alternative to peanut butter, so long as you stick to the serving size. Apples not only help keep the doctor away, but also provide a lot of fiber that aids in digestion as well as vitamins B and C.

Does apple butter have a lot of sugar? ›

For 1 tablespoon the amount of carbohydrates is about 4–15 grams and the sugar content is about 4–10 grams. Apple butter is not a good source for iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B, though it contains a small amount of vitamin C.

How long does apple butter last in a Mason jar? ›

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade apple butter can last up to 6 months. If you store it in the freezer, it can last up to a year. It's important to check the apple butter for any signs of spoilage before consuming. Discard if it has an off odor, mold or discoloration.

Can apple butter go bad? ›

Home-canned apple butter has a shelf life of about two years. Store in a cool, dark place.

Why does homemade butter go bad? ›

butter is composed of at least 80 fat. so it will go through lipid oxidation. turning it rancid over time. the cream used to make butter has been pasteurized.

What should apple butter taste like? ›

What Does Apple Butter Taste Like? The spread should taste like baked apples and a mix of warming spices. It should be sweet but have a tang. Good apple butter will flood your mouth with a mellow rich apple finish, smooth and lush.

How can you tell if apple butter is still good? ›

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade apple butter can last up to 6 months. If you store it in the freezer, it can last up to a year. It's important to check the apple butter for any signs of spoilage before consuming. Discard if it has an off odor, mold or discoloration.

Is it OK to eat fermented applesauce? ›

Yes, it is safe to eat it. In fact, fermented applesauce offers several potential health benefits, such as improved digestion and a boost to the immune system. However, it's important to note that the fermentation process can cause the texture and flavor of the applesauce to change.

How do you know if apple butter is thick enough? ›

If it's the consistency of applesauce, no ma'am! To check for doneness: Spoon out some of the apple butter, turn the spoon upside down. The apple butter should cling to the spoon without falling off right away. If it does fall off, continue cooking to remove more of the liquid.

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